Fairness in judicial system is imperative

Eva Guzman, For the Express-News

Published 12:00 am, Sunday, December 11, 2016

Photo: Eric Gay /Associated Press

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Texas Supreme Court justices listen as an attorney argues his case. A creditable justice system is fundamental to justice for all. But a recent survey from the National Center for State Courts reflects a strong public perception that some people do not receive fair treatment in our courts. less

Texas Supreme Court justices listen as an attorney argues his case. A creditable justice system is fundamental to justice for all. But a recent survey from the National Center for State Courts reflects a strong ... more

Photo: Eric Gay /Associated Press

Fairness in judicial system is imperative

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Tragedies involving law enforcement and private citizens are escalating racial strife, compelling us to unite to improve police and community relations. Conflict and violence imperil our society, and in this moment, we are being tested in new ways. How we respond to this crisis reflects on who we are, individually and as a nation.

The virtues and values that define the American spirit often blossom in times of sorrow, perhaps because adversity spurs us to embrace the possibilities that lie beyond our trials. Today, as we struggle to make sense of the senseless, we must not lose sight of the opportunity to grow from this crisis. Texas judges, as guardians of our justice system, are taking action to strengthen the relationship between communities and the courts.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will be welcoming law-enforcement officials, public servants and community leaders for a day of discourse with the judiciary. The agenda includes topics that address community engagement, disproportionality and disparities, and data integrity. The objective of the Law, Justice, and Communities Summit is to foster collaboration. The ultimate goal is to find solutions for enhancing the public’s trust in our justice system.

A creditable justice system is fundamental to the promise of justice for all. But a recent survey from the National Center for State Courts reflects a strong public perception that some people do not receive fair treatment in our courts. A troubling survey statistic reveals that only 32 percent of black Americans believe state courts provide equal justice to all.

The upcoming summit provides a forum for sharing perspectives on the role unconscious bias plays in our courts. Though the topic is uncomfortable, confronting unconscious bias is essential to ensuring justice is administered evenly. Fairness in the judicial system is not just an ideal, it’s an imperative.

The Law, Justice, and Communities Summit brings together state and local leaders, law enforcement and community representatives to listen and learn about building trust, respect and understanding within Texas communities and the judicial system. The summit seeks to expand perspectives, find meaningful solutions and build stronger relationships.

Disparate views about the rising tensions between law enforcement and communities of color are shaped by the unique experiences of a diverse citizenry. My perspective is borne of my own uncommon life experiences as the child of impoverished immigrants, the wife of a police officer and a judge for more than 16 years.

In the many roles I have fulfilled, I have learned that vulnerability and powerlessness adversely impact families and communities. As the spouse of a 37-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, I have also witnessed the commitment and sacrifice of those who risk their lives to protect others, and I know all too well the anxiety that law-enforcement families experience when their loved ones serve on the front lines.

My viewpoint derives from a life lived at these disparate angles, and my experiences have taught me that communication is the genesis of understanding and the bedfellow of change.

While our life experiences necessarily inform perceptions of our justice system, they do not limit our potential to transform it. We must start by rejecting the idea that supporting law enforcement and supporting communities of color are mutually exclusive endeavors. We must bring fresh eyes and fresh ears to old problems, and we must approach the task with humility, openness and a shared resolve to make listening everyone’s chief objective.

In this pressing crisis, the Texas judiciary is hosting the Law, Justice, and Communities Summit to leverage the formidable power of human connection to inspire a new day of understanding.

Eva Guzman has served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Texas since 2009. She is the first Latina to be elected to the high court and to statewide office in Texas.